Many people out there (maybe even you) are opting to Do-It-Yourself as opposed to hiring out.  That’s probably because of the tough economy we are currently in.  So, if you have the time and know-how, give it a shot!  If that bathroom needs a little fixing up, you should do it.  Bathrooms are a practical place, but when you are doin’…. what you’re doin’, you might want a beautiful room to look at!  Here are some tips from the folks at Bath Fitter to help you along the way.

• Clear out the clutter by sorting through things to determine what you absolutely need and what you don’t need or use. If you have nice cabinets that can hold clear storage bins, then organize those items in them and label the bin.  If you don’t have cabinets and the items that will stay in sight, put them in decorative storage containers.

• Paint it up! I always advocate repainting to give any room a facelift.  Always use semi-gloss so that the condensation from showers will roll right down the wall.  Any other type of paint will absorb the water and create unwanted cracks.  And don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors.  Try neutral colors for warmth, or go bold with a brighter hue.  You also can repaint your cabinets for an updated look. Or try adding some wallpaper.  It can be challenging since the moisture and humidity in the bathroom might cause the wallpaper to peel off.  But if you use it sparingly or as trim, it will be easier to replace if it does cause problems.

• A fantastic way to fix up that bathroom is to replace the bathtub and shower – Instead of removing your bathtub, which can damage flooring, walls and plumbing and puts your bathroom out of service for days, get an acrylic bathtub or tub liner installed over the old tub.  Companies like Bath Fitter can do this in just a few hours and for a fraction of the cost of a new one.  

• Put in some new countertops – Granite is very popular now, and you can sometimes find smaller cuts of granite that are less expensive.  Porcelain marble – even imitation porcelain marble – is a less expensive alternative and adds sparkle.

• Changing out your fixtures and door knobs will change the whole room.  It can be easy and inexpensive to replace that ugly gold with nickel, pewter or stainless steel fixtures that give a more modern look.

• Replace your towels with some fluffy, bright new ones to match your color scheme. Those old, stained towels make your bathroom look drab.
• Add a new throw rug, change out the shower curtains, replace the dirty bath mats, and pick up a sleek and simple soap dish.  This is an easy way to make low-cost, big changes.  Adding or changing pictures is also key.  Pick a theme and run with it!